Israel Razes Hebron Neighborhood After Checkpoint Ambush Kills Two Soldiers

Israeli military crews began demolishing Palestinian structures in Hebron on Thursday after two soldiers were shot dead at a checkpoint. The attack occurred when two gunmen opened fire on troops outside the city. Three other soldiers were wounded in the exchange, and both attackers were killed in return fire.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the scene and stated that the military would demolish the specific neighborhood where the attackers originated. He described the plan as a complete transformation of the area and said Israel was prepared for extensive action in the West Bank. Netanyahu compared these measures to previous operations in refugee camps where residential buildings were removed and residents displaced.

The Prime Minister confirmed he had reviewed plans for a major military operation in the West Bank, the largest in decades, without setting a specific start date. He also announced that military cordons were placed around Hebron and the nearby city of Halhul. The city of Hebron is home to approximately 200,000 residents.

The shooting has disrupted the national election campaign, with voting scheduled in four days. Netanyahu's Likud party canceled campaign events planned for Friday morning. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for a campaign in the West Bank similar to those in Gaza and Lebanon. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir urged the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority. Foreign Minister Israel Katz accused opposition leaders of undermining the government by criticizing prior security warnings.

Israeli military officials reported finding a large quantity of ammunition in the attackers' vehicle. They believe the gunmen intended to target Route 35 but engaged the checkpoint upon encountering it. Footage verified by the BBC shows the gunmen leaving a car armed with a handgun and an assault rifle before the gun battle began.

Rights groups have described the demolition of homes suspected of harboring attackers as collective punishment. The incident occurred during a period of high tension involving settler activity during the olive harvest. The United Nations reports that at least 96 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers in the West Bank since the start of the year. Four Israelis, including security personnel and civilians, have been killed in the territory over the same period, excluding the two soldiers from Thursday's ambush.